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Thursday, April 10, 2008

Papaya fruit believed to be originated from Mexico and Central America, before being cultivated in Tropical countries.The papaya plant is actually an overgrown herb, known as Herbaceous perennial.Today, Papaya is the third tropical fruit most cultivated worldwide, after pineapple and mangoes.

A young fruit is green and can be eaten by preparing as a curry, salad, etc…A ripen fruit has a golden – yellow outer skin. The flesh is rich yellow- orange or pinkish - orange, has a silky smooth sweet texture. The center of the fruit is packed of black seeds, which is edible too.

The fruit is natural source of digestive enzyme papain, which is a digestive aid and good at tenderizing meat. They are rich in folate,potassium, vitamin A, C, E and K. The fruit is known as a very good source of fiber and help protect again heart disease.

The papaya should be one of the top 3 items of your healthy fruit list.No wonder why Christopher Columbus called Papaya: Fruit of the Angels.